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Flamingo Profile
Flamingos, or flamingo birds, are gregarious wading birds
in the genus Phoenicopterus and family Phoenicopteridae. They are found
in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Their habitat of choice is
warm sub tropical climate with brackish waters. They are filter feeders
of shrimp and plankton; their predominantly pink diet causes their
distinctive pink color.
Origins and Subspecies
Flamingos are thought to have evolved from ancient long-legged aqueous
birds, but scientists do not agree on their exact origins. There are six
subspecies of the Flamingo. The two Old World flamingos are:
Greater Flamingo (P. roseus), which inhabits Africa, S. Europe and S.
and SW Asia is the most widespread flamingo, known for its beauty.
Lesser Flamingo (P. minor) inhabits Africa (e.g. Great Rift Valley) to
NW India is the most numerous flamingo.
Continued >
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